Palace for Life Foundation Lead Pan-Disability Friendly

On Saturday, just days before Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion face off in the M23 derby, another big game took place as the Palace for Life Foundation worked with Albion in the Community to stage a pan-disability friendly match.

The two teams were made up of young adults who are supported by both respective foundations, battling it out in friendly fashion while representing their two clubs with pride.

Phillip Broom, who helped to lead the event for Albion in the Community, explained that, “It’s an 11-a-side match for these guys who have different disabilities and it’s an opportunity for them to enjoy their football in a friendly environment.

“We have really tried to focus on keeping it friendly, keeping it respectful. Both teams want to win, but we’re going to try and create a fun and friendly environment and all be as one as one team.”

Michael Harrington, Disability Manager for Palace for Life, elaborated on Phillip’s sentiments, saying, “It gives the guys a chance to come down and play, enjoy their football, be with their friends and do what we all want to do: play football. And they can do that while representing Palace!”

Palace for Life run sessions for males and females aged five and over living with a disability. These take place in a variety of venues across Croydon, Bromley and Sutton.

They run a diverse disability programme that plans to give every person living with a disability the opportunity to participate in sport, improving their motor skills, physical fitness, and giving people the opportunity to develop self-esteem, confidence and gain vital interaction with new friends and the wider community. To find out more, contact MichaelHarrington@palaceforlife.org